Washington Spirit earns road point in 1-1 draw vs Chicago Red Stars

CHICAGO (June 17, 2017) –The Washington Spirit (2-5-2, 8 pts) picked up a point in a 1-1 draw on the road against the Chicago Red Stars (5-2-2, 17 pts) in Saturday afternoon’s NWSL on Lifetime Game of the Week played in front of 3,189 fans at Toyota Park.

Washington earned at least one point for the second week in a row, following up on the team’s 2-0 shutout win over the Houston Dash in its previous game on June 3. Chicago extended its’ current unbeaten streak to six games, but the Spirit ended the second place Red Stars’ three-game winning streak.

“It was a really good team performance, I thought we came out as a team and played well,” said Spirit Head Coach and General Manager Jim Gabarra. “Everybody’s disappointed we didn’t get the three points. It’s a tough place to play.”

Nigerian national team forward Francisca Ordegascored her third goal of the season on an assist from Cheyna Williamsin the 42nd minute to give the Spirit a 1-0 halftime lead. Williams connected with Ordega on a through ball as Ordega was on a dead sprint up the middle of the field, beating the final defender and maneuvering around Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher before slotting the ball into the left side of the net from close range. [WATCH]

Chicago equalized in the 82nd minute on a penalty kick earned and converted by U.S. international Christen Press. Spirit center back Shelina Zadorskywas called for the foul on Press while defending her on a run up the middle through the final third.

Spirit goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé was credited with three saves while also playing an active role cutting off crosses and runs into the box. Labbé’s day was highlighted by a one-handed diving save made in the 51st minute, when she knocked away a Vanessa Di Bernardoshot headed inside the post. [WATCH]

Kassey Kallmanand Whitney Church led the Spirit back line with six interceptions each, as Kallman also led the way with five clearances. Estelle Johnsonhad a team-high three tackles while adding three clearances, three interceptions and a blocked shot.

Havana Solaunled all Spirit players with 40 total passses, 29 of which were on the attacking side of the field.

Spirit defender Caprice Dydascomade her 2017 NWSL debut, entering as a substitute for Alyssa Kleinerin the 61st minute. It was Dydasco’s first time suiting up for a match since she tore her ACL in the 2016 NWSL Championship on October 9. Washington returns home to the SoccerPlex for its next game on June 24 against Portland Thorns FC. [TICKETS]